The Frenchman went off during the first half following a poor challenge by Matt Lowton.

Pepe Mel revealed afterwards that the veteran forward would struggle to be fit for the visit of the Reds and might even be out for longer.

And the Albion boss was still none the wiser as to whether the club would bring in any new players before tomorrow’s transfer deadline – though he remains hopeful of at least one forward signing.

“One result doesn’t change my opinion of squad but if we have an opportunity to sign a player then we should do so,” said Mel. “Anelka has a lot of sticthes in his knee. At the moment he has no chance of playing on Sunday.”

Asked whether Mark Clattenburg should have punished Lowton, Mel replied: “The referee was a good referee – I can’t comment on anything the referee did.